Abstract

Abstract: Amidst a global reactionary wave against feminist movements and reproductive rights, Nayla Luz Vacarezza turns to abortion struggles in Latin America to explore their Bside—the dimension that extends beyond legal victories to examine decades of patient movement work toward the “social decriminalization of abortion.” Through research grounded in collaboration with activists, ephemeral materials, and personal archives, the book examines a rich repertoire ranging from iconic green kerchiefs and feminist chants to memes, embodied performances, and artistic interventions. These creative practices dismantle abortion stigma and reimagine reproductive rights and justice as foundational to democracy itself. Contesting dominant configurations of shame, fear, and secrecy, they cultivate alternative affective repertoires grounded in joy, solidarity, and collective care. With critical and activist sensibility, Las pasiones alegres del feminismo traces a political and creative language rooted in Latin American activism that speaks to global movements for reproductive justice and autonomy.